A total of 120 dependents of Kenya Army servicemen and women, aged 18-25 years, have been commissioned to join the Defence Forces Technical College under the fourth cohort of a skills development partnership between The Family Group Foundation and the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK).
The programme will provide 12 weeks of hands-on training by the Nairobi Institute of Technology, equipping them with technical and vocational skills in plumbing, electrical installation, solar technologies, and ICT, with certification by the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC).
“This transformative initiative represents a powerful partnership of profound value, one that not only empowers the military families but also strengthens communities and creates pathways for dependents of Kenya Defence Forces personnel to become innovators, job creators and contributors to national development,” said Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General David Ketter during the commissioning ceremony held at Embakasi Garrison.
Since the programme was launched in 2023, over 200 dependents of service personnel in the Kenya Defence Forces have benefitted from the training with the goal of enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“We are proud of the impact we have been able to make through this programme which continues to record an over 80% transition rate to the job market. As we look to further improve and expand our reach as a foundation, we are delighted to continue working alongside our to provide these young people with an opportunity to access dignified and sustainable income opportunities,” said The Family Group Foundation Executive Director John Waimiri.
This project is under the Foundation’s shared values initiatives in construction, entrepreneurship, development, and business management services dubbed the Tufuzu Youth Entrepreneurship Development Project, which provides young adults with technical training and access to labour markets, financing, and linkages to other strategic partners.